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Astrophysics > Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics

Title:Time's arrow and life's origin

Abstract: The thermodynamic arrow-of-time problem is thought to be resolved by the
observation that our universe initially was---and still is---far from
equilibrium. The psychological arrow-of-time problem is often attributed the
same resolution, but the connection has not been thoroughly established. I
argue that a compelling explanation of the psychological arrow requires an
understanding of the physical conditions necessary for life to emerge from a
prebiotic environment. A simple calculation illustrates how life-sustaining
energy fluxes from the Sun and the Earth's interior bias the development of
life in the direction of the arrow inherited from cosmic initial conditions.